“Sorry, Bella, I’ve got to go out. I have some work to do, but I will be back soon. You sleep.” I kiss her temple and lower her into the bed, putting her bare legs under the blankets and pulling them up around her shoulders.

“What do you do, Dante? What keeps you out all night every night?” she asks innocently, as she snuggles into the blankets.

I pause, not sure what or how much to tell her, but wanting to tell her everything. “I’m Italian, Little Red, and I work with the Italian mob.” I watch her face as she looks at me with an unflinching expression.

“I don’t really want to know exactly what that entails, do I?” she asks, her eyes never leaving mine. “But you will keep me safe, won’t you?” She is placing her trust in me fully, and that feels significant.

“You’re safe with me, Bella.”

“Please be careful,” she murmurs, her eyes already closed, and I kiss her lips softly before I back away. Grabbing some fresh clothes, I have renewed energy in my bones, the need to find and kill Dominic now stronger than ever. Because one night with Little Red is not going to be enough. No. I think I will keep her forever.

19

Annie

I wake with a start, my body wracked with cold shivers, which happens from time to time. I curl myself into the thick, soft bedding and move my legs up and down on the mattress to try and generate some warmth, but it does little to help. My limbs tremble a little and my teeth soon follow with their chattering. My mom deteriorated the same way, so I know what to expect. Her circulation got worse and worse throughout her last six months to the point that hot water bottles were a constant. Not able to warm up, I decide, even though it is pitch-black and late, to get up and take a hot bath. Hot showers always helped my mom in the early days, so I hope that it is the same for me.

I sit up slowly and dangle my feet out of the bed, ensuring I am fully awake before I slip out onto the carpet and make my way to the bathroom. My nakedness is a reminder of how I filled in my time earlier tonight, and I smile while touching my lips, already wanting to kiss Dante again and explore his body further. He is so gentle, so patient, teaching me how to do things and what he likes. I enjoy it. I enjoy him.

My thoughts keep me company in the quiet house as I fill the massive tub, adding a splash of his scent for extra comfort. I grab a fresh towel and place it nearby before I immerse myself into the deep water, letting the warmth envelop my body like a warm hug.